An exciting opportunity has become available for a Chartered Physiotherapist to become an important member of Hamilton Academical Academy’s medical team. The head academy physiotherapist plays a crucial role in ensuring the physical well-being and optimal performance of players within the academy. They provide comprehensive physiotherapy services, injury prevention strategies, and rehabilitation programs aimed at promoting recovery and minimizing the risk of injuries.

Description of Duties

• To work in the assessment, treatment and monitoring of injuries to Hamilton Academical players within the U18s squad and academy
• Develop rehabilitation programs for long-term injured players
• Co-ordinate injury pre-habilitation and rehabilitation programs of players
• Work closely with other members of the coaching team especially in the pre-habilitation and injury rehabilitation of players
• Communicate with coaches regarding progress of injured players on a regular basis
• Attend all U18s fixtures and schedule cover for all academy home games
• Cover/ support first team training & games when required

Key Responsibilities

1. Injury Assessment and Treatment:

• Conduct thorough assessments of injuries sustained by players between U9-U18s
• Provide immediate and ongoing treatment for sports-related injuries
• Develop and implement individualized rehabilitation programs

2. Rehabilitation and Recovery:

• Design and oversee rehabilitation plan for injured players, aiming for timely and safe return-to-play protocols
• Monitor progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly

3. Preventive Care and Education:

• Develop and implement injury prevention strategies
• Educate athletes on proper warm-up techniques, injury prevention exercises, and lifestyle modifications to reduce injury risks
• Collaborate with coaching staff to design training programs that minimize injury occurrence
• Work closely with other staff to organise and conduct MSK/medical screenings as part of the department strategy to identify and mitigate against risk of injury

4. Documentation and Communication:

• Maintain detailed and accurate records of assessments, treatments, and rehabilitation progress
• Communicate regularly with medical staff, coaches, and management regarding player injury status and return-to-play readiness
• Attend daily departmental meetings reporting into head of medical and sport science as requested.
• Take a supervisory role on Academy matchdays – this may mean covering pitch side yourself and co-ordinating EAP & cover across other fixtures on site.

5. Emergency Response:

• Be prepared to provide immediate care in case of on-field injuries or emergencies
• Administer first aid or emergency treatments when required
• Provide training, matchday and tournament cover for U9-18s, supporting other age groups when necessary

Experience / Qualifications / Qualities

Essential

• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
• HCPC Registration
• Pitch side first aid (SportPromote, ATMMIF)
• Previous experience of working with young athletes
• Good understanding or growth and maturation and its implications on the development of athletes
• Experience of planning and delivering treatment & rehabilitation of sports injuries
• Experience managing staff
• Effective and appropriate communication skills
• Good time management & prioritisation skills
• PVG/Disclosure

Desirable

• Post graduate qualification in relevant field
• Experience working within a football academy
• Driving license
• S&C qualification / knowledge

Application with relevant CV should be submitted to Caitlin Wright, Head of Medical, Hamilton Academical FC via email.